Date:
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
Contact:
Paula Reeves, WSDOT Bicycle and Pedestrian Program, 360-705-7258
OLYMPIA – What do Washington’s communities need when it comes to bicycle and pedestrian transportation? How can the state help to meet those needs? What would encourage people to walk or bicycle more often?
The answers to questions like these are helping the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) update its 2008 – 2027 Washington State Bicycle Facilities and Pedestrian Walkways Plan. The plan will include strategies for improving connections, increasing coordination and reducing traffic congestion. These can be done through:
Engineering – building and connecting the system
Enforcement – ensuring public safety and welfare
Education and Encouragement – information, outreach and offering incentives.
A draft of the plan is available for review at http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/bike/bike_plan.htm. WSDOT is asking people to comment on the Plan during the 60-day public comment period, which extends through the end of May. Comments can be submitted through the Web site or by calling the toll free number: 1-866-375-6729.
In addition, WSDOT will host public hearings in cities across the state prior to finalizing the update. Dates, times and locations are:
April 22, 6:30 – 8 p.m.
WSDOT, Southwest Region Office
11018 NE 51st Circle
Vancouver, WA
April 23, 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Hal Holmes Center
209 N. Ruby Street
Ellensburg, WA
April 24, 7 – 9 p.m.
West Central Community Center
1603 N. Belt Street
Spokane, WA
April 25, 4 – 6 p.m.
REI – Downtown Seattle
222 Yale Avenue N.
Seattle, WA
WSDOT staff will open the hearing with a short presentation and take testimony from individuals who sign in. Speakers will be asked to limit their comments to three minutes to ensure everyone has an opportunity to be heard.
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